“If the guy’s there or not there, I can’t fix that,” said Sanchez. “I’ve just got to be on my game and trust that the coaches and everybody will see that, and they will.”

The two quarterbacks considered the front-runners for the starting job didn’t exactly impress Wednesday during the Jets’ first practice of organized team activities open to the media. And, count coach Rex Ryan among those who wasn’t particularly thrilled at what he saw.

“I want there to be a sense of urgency with this football team to protect this football,” Ryan said. “Above anything else, protect the football and, along those lines, protect the quarterback. I think that’s critical.”

While it’s early in the offseason program and Ryan said both Sanchez and Smith did “good things,” the Jets coach added that it’s “disappointing” to see the veteran turn the ball over. On one interception, Sanchez was picked off by big defensive lineman Damon Harrison.

“A couple of those throws I want back,” said Sanchez.

Smith threw one interception that was tipped, and said he’s trying to “get better.”